California was recently named the "Greenest State in America" despite it having the worst air quality, according to a new report.
WalletHub, a personal finance company, recently compared each state based on 25 key metrics to identify the most eco-friendly states. Here are the top 10 greenest states:
1. California
Eco-Friendly Behaviors Rank: 3
Environmental Quality Rank: 14
California topped the list as the greenest state in America, particularly due to the number of energy-efficient public policies in the state, WalletHub noted, citing data from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
In addition, the state also has the fourth-lowest overall energy consumption per capita and the sixth-lowest gasoline consumption. Furthermore, California has one of the best water qualities in the country. That being said, the Golden State had the worst air quality in the US.
2. Vermont
Eco-Friendly Behaviors Rank: 1
Environmental Quality Rank: 3
Vermont is the second-greenest state on WalletHub's list, with the most number of organic-farm acreage per capita. The state also has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita and the third-lowest methane emissions per capita.
In addition, Vermont has the highest number of alternative fuel stations per capita but fell to the 19th spot for the most number of alternative fuel vehicles per capita.
3. New York
Eco-Friendly Behaviors Rank: 8
Environmental Quality Rank: 4
New York came in third on the list of the greenest states in the country. The state has some of the lowest energy consumption and carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions per capita in the United States. However, one of the main reasons for New York's ranking is its low gas consumption, which is due to the state's green transportation options. At least 48% of the New York population uses public transportation, carpools, biking, or walking to get to and from work.
Apart from its use of green transportation, the Empire State also has the second-best soil quality in the country.
Other States on the List
Other states on WalletHub's list of greenest locations include:
Maryland, with the second most LEED-Certified buildings per capita
Washington, with the fifth-most LEED Certified buildings per capita, the highest percentage of renewable energy consumption, and fifth lowest gas consumption per capita
Minnesota, with one of the best soil quality in the US
Hawaii, with one of the best water and soil quality and the second lowest gas consumption per capita
Maine, tied with Washington for the highest percentage of renewable energy consumption
Connecticut, with a score of two on WalletHub's "Climate-Change Contributions Rank"
Massachusetts, with the third most LEED-certified buildings per capita and the fifth lowest energy consumption per capita.
